House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

In an effort to ensure that recovery houses in the Commonwealth provide a safe environment for residents and their surrounding communities, I will be introducing legislation creating the Certified Recovery Residence Act. This legislation is similar to former House Bill 1884 of the 2015-16 Legislative Session but with new language requiring recovery homes to implement training and treatment protocols regarding the administration of Narcan to counteract drug overdoses.

This proposal will establish the State Board of Recovery Residences within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. The Board will be charged with developing and administering a voluntary certification program and code of ethics for recovery residences, which are defined as peer-supported, alcohol-free, and drug-free living environments.

A residence applying for certification will be inspected and required to submit policies to the Board including, but not limited to, recovery, relapse, good neighbor, drug-testing, and safety. Recovery residences certified under this act will be monitored by the Board in order to maintain continuing compliance and certifications will expire one year after issuance. A certified residence must be actively managed by a certified recovery residence administrator who holds a valid certificate of compliance with the Board.

While the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) currently authorizes single county authorities to enter into contracts with recovery homes and establishes requirements for houses funded with DDAP dollars, I strongly feel that more safeguards must be enacted to protect the recovery system and the community. Therefore, please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation which will increase the quality of opportunity, safety, and support for recovery residents and their neighbors.